Kernels Split Doubleheader Against Chiefs

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA - Max Cordy, Colton Davis, and Tom Hackimer combined for a 2-0 Cedar Rapids Kernels shutout Monday against the Peoria Chiefs in game two of a doubleheader split at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Chiefs won the doubleheader opener, 12-8, to begin a four-game, three-day series.
Cordy pitched three scoreless innings before Davis and Hackimer each produced two shutout frames for Cedar Rapids (21-16). Davis improved to 2-0 with the victory while Hackimer notched his team-high fifth save. Hackimer has successfully closed out each of his last three save opportunities, and he has not been charged for an earned run in his last 16 innings pitched.

The Kernels grabbed their 2-0 edge in game two behind Caleb Hamilton and Jermaine Palacios. Hamilton's fourth-inning RBI single secured a career-best 13-game on-base streak and put Cedar Rapids ahead. In the fifth inning, Palacios hit his third home run of the season and doubled the Kernels' lead with his solo shot.
Mike O'Reilly (0-1) conceded both Kernels runs during the nightcap over five innings pitched while taking the loss for Peoria (13-22). Max Almonte made his Midwest League debut behind O'Reilly and pitched a scoreless sixth inning.
After three innings of play in the opener, Cedar Rapids held an 8-3 lead. The Kernels scored the first run in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Lewin Diaz. Peoria tallied the next three runs over the second and third innings. Cedar Rapids answered by posting a seven-run rally in the bottom of the third. Christian Cavaness capped the scoring with a two-run home run - his third blast of the season and his second in as many games.
The Chiefs responded with nine unanswered runs to take a 12-8 victory in game one. Nick Plummer hit a three-run clout in the fourth inning, and Andrew Knizner and Vince Jackson added solo shots during the fifth and sixth innings, respectively to even the score. Dylan Carlson produced a two-out, go-ahead single in the seventh before Jackson clubbed a three-run homer - his second round-tripper of the game - and completed the rally.
Peoria's Eric Carter (2-1) pitched two shutout innings and earned the victory. Logan Lombana (0-2) was charged for a blown save and a loss, giving up four runs in 1.2 innings pitched.
Game three of this four-game series is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Tuesday with Kernels right-hander Tyler Beardsley (3-2, 4.34) starting against Chiefs southpaw Ian Oxnevad (0-2, 4.11). Chris Kleinhans-Schulz will have the call on 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM and also online at www.kmryradio.com, www.kernels.com, and MiLB.TV.
The Kernels will wear their special Minnesota Twins-themed jerseys for Great Clips Twins Tuesday. Fans can go online to get a 2-for-1 ticket coupon for Tuesday's game from the Kernels' Facebook page or email newsletter. Plus, one lucky fan at the contest will win a pair of Minnesota Twins tickets.
Fans can purchase tickets for all Kernels home games by visiting www.kernels.com, going to the Kernels Ticket Office, or calling (319) 896-7560. The Kernels Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sundays when the Kernels have a home game, the Kernels Ticket Office will open at 11:00 a.m.